Former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo Highlights Urgent Need For Integrity In Society

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, has expressed the urgent need for innovative educational models to meet Africa's rising demand for higher education.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports  that Osinbajo emphasized concern over the diminishing presence of integrity in society during his remarks at the 2024 Matriculation ceremony of Miva Open University in Abuja on Saturday. 

He emphasized that the evolving landscape of higher education in Africa necessitates innovative approaches, particularly through Institutions like Open University, to meet the demands of an expanding population.

Osinbajo highlighted the stark statistics regarding University admissions, noting that while over 1.7 million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) each year, only around 400,000 secure spots in Universities. 

This leaves approximately 1.3 million young individuals annually without access to higher education opportunities. 

Meanwhile, he argued that the traditional method of constructing physical Universities is not sustainable, especially considering Nigeria's population growth of around 6 million each year. 

In his address to the new students, Osinbajo encouraged them to seek true success, which he defined as making a lasting impact through their work and the values they impart to others. 

However, he cautioned against equating success with short-term achievements or social media popularity, emphasizing the importance of integrity as a fundamental pillar of genuine success.

"Integrity may sound like a cliché, but it is the foundation of real achievement," he stated. 

Osinbajo urged the students to uphold high moral standards, encouraging them to honor their commitments and maintain honesty in their dealings. 

He remarked on the increasing scarcity of people with integrity, asserting that such individuals are highly sought after in all walks of life, even by those with questionable motives.

In addition, the Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, also addressed the gathering, revealing that around 3,000 students are matriculating into 14 undergraduate programs across four schools which are Computing Science, Allied Health Sciences, Communication & Media Studies, and Management & Social Sciences. 

In conclusion, Arulogun noted that this surge in enrollment reflects the University's growing reputation as a preferred choice for students eager to pursue higher education, demonstrating significant progress in its first year of operation.